Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Oaxaca, Mexico, lies a hidden gem that has become a sanctuary for beach lovers, surf enthusiasts, and adventurers seeking an authentic Mexican experience. Welcome to Puerto Escondido, a charming coastal town that perfectly blends the tranquility of a laid-back beachside retreat with the vibrancy of Mexican culture. With its stunning beaches, welcoming locals, and a vibrant atmosphere, Puerto Escondido is a destination that captures the hearts of all who visit.
As you step onto the sun-kissed shores of Puerto Escondido, you'll immediately sense the unique blend of relaxation and adventure that defines this charming town. This blog entry aims to be your guide as we embark on a journey to get to know Puerto Escondido, uncovering the treasures it holds, from its beautiful beaches to its vibrant local culture and the myriad of activities it offers.
Beach Paradise
Puerto Escondido is renowned for its exquisite beaches, each with its own distinct personality. Whether you're a surfer looking for epic waves, a sun-worshipper seeking the perfect tan, or simply a traveler in search of a tranquil escape, Puerto Escondido has a beach for you.
Zicatela Beach: Known as the Mexican Pipeline, Zicatela is a world-famous surf destination that attracts top surfers from across the globe. The powerful waves and thrilling breaks here make it a must-visit for surf enthusiasts. Even if you're not a surfer, watching the experts ride the waves is a spectacle in itself.
Carrizalillo Beach: For those looking for a more relaxed beach experience, Carrizalillo offers gentle waves, pristine sands, and a more secluded atmosphere. This cove is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply lounging under a palapa while sipping on a refreshing coconut.
Playa Bacocho: This beach exudes tranquility, making it an ideal spot for a quiet day by the sea. With gentle waves and ample space to lay down your beach towel, it's a great place to unwind and soak in the beauty of the Pacific.
Vibrant Local Culture
While the beaches are undoubtedly a highlight of Puerto Escondido, the town's heart and soul lie in its rich local culture. As you wander through the streets, you'll encounter colorful markets, street food vendors, and friendly locals eager to share their traditions.
Mercado Benito Juárez: This bustling market is a sensory delight, with stalls overflowing with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and mouthwatering street food. Don't miss the chance to savor authentic Oaxacan cuisine here.
Fiestas and Festivals: Puerto Escondido is known for its lively fiestas and festivals, where you can witness traditional dances, music, and celebrations that showcase the vibrant spirit of the community.
Local Artisans: The town is home to many talented artisans who create exquisite handicrafts, including colorful textiles, pottery, and intricate jewelry. Exploring their workshops and galleries provides insight into the town's creative energy.
Puerto Escondido is a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the warmth of Mexican hospitality. Whether you're a beach bum, an adventure seeker, or a cultural explorer, this charming coastal town has something to offer everyone. So, join us on this journey as we dive deeper into the wonders of Puerto Escondido and uncover the secrets of this coastal paradise.
Things to Do:
Turtle Release: Witnessing baby sea turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean is a magical experience. Many organizations in Puerto Escondido offer opportunities to participate in turtle releases during the nesting season (typically from late June to early December).
Bioluminescence Tour: Take a night-time boat tour in the nearby Manialtepec Lagoon, where you can witness the mesmerizing natural phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton. The water sparkles and glows as you move through it, creating a surreal and enchanting experience.
Sportfishing: Puerto Escondido is a great place for sportfishing. You can charter a fishing boat and try your luck at catching marlin, sailfish, dorado, and other big game fish in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Horseback Riding: Enjoy a horseback ride along the beaches or through the lush countryside. Riding along the shore during sunrise or sunset offers breathtaking views.
Laguna de Manialtepec: Beyond the bioluminescence, this lagoon is teeming with diverse wildlife. Guided boat tours will take you through the mangrove forests where you can spot crocodiles, various bird species, and iguanas.
Day Trips: Puerto Escondido is relatively close to Huatulco, another beautiful coastal town known for its pristine beaches and snorkeling opportunities. You can easily organize a day trip to explore Huatulco's nine bays and enjoy its crystal-clear waters. As well, be sure to check out Zipolite, home of Mexico's only nude beach, and Mazunte, a Pueblo Magico.
Gyms in Puerto:
Best if You Are in La Punta: Zica's Gym, a small gym filled with basic equipment, is found along the Carretera Costera, right above Bajadas de Brisas in Zicatela. This gym is about $500 pesos per month, and is filled with all the equipment needed to get a good workout in. From barbells to dumbbells to treadmills, bikes and cable machines, this place has all you need to get a good workout in. Particularly if you are in La Punta and don't want to travel. This is the gym for you!
Best Beach Gym: Paradise Gym, based on the famous Jungle Gym in Tulum, is a gym situated directly on the beach of Zicatela, near the entrance and across from the Selina on the main Avenida of Zicatela. With wooden implements to lift with & an unbeatable view of the pumping surf of Zicatela, the views don't get much better. And once your workout ends, you can get some cardio in playing volleyball or getting a drink at El Chiringuito bar.
Best Group Classes: If you want to take some group classes, look no further than Shred Fitness. Get your sweat on, make new friends, and enjoy the sunshine with classes taking places in various points around Puerto Escondido, like Paradise Gym, Casa de Olas and la Bonita Escondida.Shred
Best Gym for Crossfit: If you are a fan of Crossfit, then you have a couple of options. While Sports Universe has a variety of Crossfit style classes, the one and only Crossfit 954 is your gym for Crossfit classes in Puerto Escondido. Drop in for a workout or sign up for the whole week or month. Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed in your experience here.
Lesser Known Gyms: If you want to get off the beaten path & discover two lesser known gyms in Puerto Escondido, check out Torres Gym & All Gym. Torres Gym is located along the road leading to Mercado Benito Juarez, and gives old school vibes. Lots of good equipment & a bodybuilding focus. All Gym provides much of the same, lots of free weights to get a quality workout in, a slightly more bodybuilding / commercial gym type feel, and supplements on sale in the shop. Both of these gyms will let you get a great workout in, and you will be one of few foreigners in these gyms.
My Favorite Gym: Sports Universe, without a doubt. Based in Bacocho, in other words, the far side of Puerto from La Punta, where I live. But it is more than worth the trip. This gym has Crossfit style installations, as well as more standard bodybuilding equipment. With the widest variety of equipment, room to move, rowers, rope climbs & supplements for sale in the entrance, this is the most varied and best equipped gym in the area.
Sports in Puerto:
BJJ: In Puerto, there are two options for BJJ, La Colonia & Black Shark. If you are looking to enjoy awesome jiujitsu with amazing ocean views and fresh coconuts afterward, the Colonia is your option, out in La Barra de Navidad. If you want a more MMA style & Muay Thai, check out Black Shark, based out by Bacocho.
Boxing: If boxing is more your thing, you can check out Pitbull's Team & Black Mamba Boxing for some serious training. Paradise Gym also has boxing classes, and Black Shark provides Muay Thai.
Volleyball: There are two main spots for beach volleyball, one in front of Punta Vida in La Punta and the other in front of Paradise Gym in Zicatela.
Rock Climbing: A recent arrival to the scene, these folks practice bouldering on the rocks at the end of La Punta, down near the surf break. They also meet to slackline near Punta Vida in the afternoons.
Ultimate Frisbee: If you want to have a good game of catch, then you will find people all over chucking a frisbee. And if you want to participate in a game, they run them on Sundays in Zicatela.
Yoga: With dozens of options for classes, my personal favorite is Marea Yoga Studio, which has the best variety and offer of classes in the area. But don't limit yourself, there are dozens of others.
Surf: For the pros. you have the enormous barrels of Zicatela. For the beginners, you can catch your first waves at Carrizalillo. If you are a bodyboarder / boogie boarder, check out Playa Colorada. And don't miss out on a surf trip up or down the coast to catch more hidden waves. Be sure to hit up Art of Surfing to get all of your surfing needs taken care of.
Nightlife:
There are literally dozens of options for nightlife, with music for all types. However, I am going to talk about a few of my favorites.
Juana Mezcala: A great bar in La Punta to start the night at. Their menu is based around Mezcal, and they have tons of delicious cocktails & food options.
Mombasa: If you want to mingle, this is a better option. Typically electronic music in a bohemian atmosphere, this bar is a lot of fun and a great place to start a night of dancing.
Punta Vida: The go-to on Sundays, where they host a barbeque and a night of dancing to close out the weekend.
Esmeralda: If you are looking to play pool, this is the spot for you. With a couple dozen tables, pumping reggaeton music, and a sea breeze, this is an amazing spot to warm up for a night out, or hang out while you wait for the clubs to start going.
Mar y Wanna: My favorite club, located at the far end of Zicatela. House on Fridays and Perreo on Saturday, get a chance to mingle and make friends with the locals.
Thinking of relocating to Puerto Escondido? I'm here to assist you every step of the way! From planning your move to handling paperwork, I've got you covered. Feel free to reach out for more information or if you have any questions about life in Puerto Escondido. You can contact me via email at anthony.mullis.language.coach@gmail.com or on WhatsApp at +52 33 2950 5238. Your new adventure awaits – don't hesitate to connect!